I contacted my first interview subject today. I briefly explained what it was I want to accomplish.

He didn’t hesitate for a second to accept. I assured him that the interview would be confidential and I would not use his name, but he wants his name used. He wants to be able to tell his story, and he doesn’t want to hide.

I haven’t decided if I want to use his name or not, just yet.

He’s also offered to put me in touch with other soldiers with whom he served, and kept in touch with. Their stories may be similar to his, and are definitely worth investigating.

I’ve known this particular guy for a long time, but we’ve never talked about what he experienced in Iraq. I never knew how to broach the topic, and he certainly never brought it up. Frankly, I’m surprised by his enthusiasm, and his eagerness to divulge so much.

Of course, saying and doing are two entirely different things. I can only hope that this eagerness continues, and that he’s satisfied with the finished product.

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About Joseph F. Berenato

Joseph F. Berenato obtained a B.A. in English and spent four years as the entertainment editor of The Hammonton Gazette before returning to his roots at his family's blueberry farm in Hammonton, NJ. In 2014, Joe conceived, edited, and contributed to New Life and New Civilizations: Exploring Star Trek Comics. He also co-edited three books examining Star Wars and two books examining Planet of the Apes for Sequart with Rich Handley. Joe wrote the introduction for IDW Publishing's Star Trek: Gold Key Archives Volume 3 as well as retrospective essays for that company’s Star Trek #50 and their Star Trek Gold Key 100-Page Spectacular. He also contributed to ATB Publishing's Star Trek anthology Outside In Boldly Goes. He holds a Master of Arts in Writing from Rowan University, and is an adjunct professor with Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, NJ, where he teaches freshman composition and serves as advisor for the school’s student-run newspaper, the Atlantic Cape Review. You can find Joe at jfberenato.wordpress.com or at www.dinernation.com, and on Twitter at @JFBerenato.